Milford edge City in PSL play-off opener

Siphosethu Ndlabi © Backpagepix

Milford FC were first out of the blocks in the latest instalment of the PSL Promotion Relegation play-offs after the Stallions recorded a narrow 1-0 win over the Citizens at the Athlone Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The home side were pegged back during the opening exchanges of the match, given Milford’s early pressure on the ball. With little to show for their attacking endeavours in the opening quarter, Milford pressed on and found success behind the City backline.

City were caught flat-footed midway through the first half after Mvelo Zikakayo evaded his marker following a lobbed effort en route to goal before being brought down by goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart.

Stepping up to the spot, Siphosethu Nlabi managed to convert the penalty as the City goalkeeper was unable to reach the Milford star’s stinging effort.

City fought back moments before the break after Therlo Moosa met an accurate cross inside the area but saw his effort go narrowly wide. Milford’s Menzi Chili then had the final say of the first 45, after he let off a low driving shot that was blocked.

The Citizens looked dangerous at the restart, particularly through Emile Witbooi who latched onto a well-worked passing move toward the goal, but ultimately fluffed his shot straight at Sphamandla Hleza.

City then piled on the pressure leading up to the 60th minute mark but often fell short at the final hurdle. At the other end of the pitch, Jabulile Gxakoshe had a shot at the City goal late in the tie that was grasped by van der Hart.

Milford thus moved to the top of the standings for the time being, while City will hope to do better when they take on Magesi on Saturday.

Cape Town City: (0) 0

Milford: (1) 1 (Ndlabi 23’)

Cape Town City: van de Hart, Telile, Gordinho, Fortune (Ziba 81’), Zinganto (Dolly 80’), Witbooi (Sereetsi 61’), Amato, Lee (Dolly 80’), Thodes, Zajmovic (Tjiueza 61’), Moosa

Milford: Hleza, Mdluli, Cele, Khwanya, Bhengu, Sibiya (Mthabela 46’), Mthiyane, Chili (Radebe 70’), Zikakayo (Mkhize 69’), Nlabi (Xulu 82’), Sigomoshe (Gxakoshe 82)

© Backpage TXT